59 poisoned after contaminated water leaks into apartment building's reservoir

Fifty-nine residents of an apartment complex in central Nghe An Province showed signs of poisoning after contaminated water infiltrated the building's water supply, according to officials. Nguyen The Tung, director of the Vinh City medical center, reported on Tuesday that one of the two groundwater reservoirs at the Golden City 3 apartment complex had developed several cracks. He indicated that polluted water from the surrounding area likely entered the reservoir during heavy rainfall in mid-September.

Between September 25 and 26, residents from 36 households in the complex experienced symptoms such as stomachaches, vomiting, and low blood pressure. Four individuals with more severe symptoms were hospitalized but have since been released. The residents suspected that the water supply was the cause of their health problems.

Tests carried out by the Nghe An Center for Disease Control on water from the affected reservoir found microorganism levels that were hundreds of times higher than the acceptable limits. Samples revealed the presence of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Coliforms, which can lead to food poisoning symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea.

The damaged reservoir has been closed for repairs by the building’s management, Tung noted. The Golden City 3 apartment complex houses approximately 105 families, totaling around 400 residents.